Being a Physician Assistant requires high energy, good communication and the ability to multitask. Interviewers will be looking for these qualities during the interview as well as a few others. Below are some of the main things that interviewers and HR managers look for during the interview.

Good Communication

Physician Assistants are expected to have excellent communication skills. The core duties of a Physician Assistant are to obtain information from patients and relay information to patients in a clear and concise manner.

Interviewers may ask questions like "What three strengths do you possess as a PA and how will those strengths assist our facility"? A question like this should be answered by listing three attributes with a brief explanation of each strength. Going out of the way to give an extra bit of information (albeit in a very concise manner) will show the interviewer that you want to make sure that he/she fully understands what you're saying. Remember, clarity is a plus in the health care field.

Energy

Be energetic. The interviewer will not only be assessing the answers given or the way that you present yourself; he or she will also be observing posture and the amount of energy you put behind answering your questions. Sitting in an upright position, smiling assertively when answering questions and making appropriate hand gestures, all convey to the interviewer that you are energetic and excited about your specialty.

Yahoo Finance explains that some of the world's most effective and influential speakers use hand gestures in their speeches. It also helps to answer your interview questions with passion and when possible, bring up a great experience you’ve had with helping a patient or a team when interning.

Experience Multitasking

Working as a Physician Assistant is unpredictable and action packed. Physician Assistants are expected to perform administrative tasks as well as working with patients. This means a Physician Assistant must good at multitasking and also be highly energetic. An interviewer will look over the resume very carefully for experience in multitasking. According to the Journal of Hospital Medicine, multitasking is performed at least 21% of the time in a hospital setting.

Experience

The interviewer is looking for an experienced PA over one that has no experience at all. Although he or she will be holding your resume, and possibly an application with the same information, you will still be asked about the experience that you had. Bring up any experience you gained while interning, volunteering or experience you’ve gained at another health facility while working. Things you should highlight in this answer are:

Experiences with difficult patients (and how you turned the situation around)

However, be careful in answering these questions. If the interviewer sees any inconsistencies between what you say and what is on your resume, it may cost you the job.

Having a great personality and experience seems to be key here. Just remember, this is an important position and you will be heavily observed during the interview, just be yourself, convey good character and walk away a winner.